Johnny Nitro

Johnny Nitro (born John Lawrence Newton; September 2, 1951 – February 19, 2011) was a blues vocalist, guitarist, and band leader in the San Francisco Bay Area. He served as a longtime entertainer and community figure in the North Beach district. He regularly played at local venues, such as The Saloon and Lou's Pier 47, with his band, Johnny Nitro & the Doorslammers. as well as practitioners of Chicago Blues. Nitro, however, was drawn to electric blues, and he found inspiration in artists such as Albert Collins, Albert King, T-Bone Walker, and Guitar Slim as a teen. to attend the San Francisco Art Institute, where he had received an academic scholarship. The experimental filmmaker, George Kuchar, taught at the school for decades.

At SFAI, Nitro studied filmmaking, painting, and sculpture.

After three years at SFAI, Nitro dropped out of college. He decided that he did not want to make a living as a fine artist. where many local musicians began their careers. in the Mission district. became a local hub for blues. As Johnny Ace commented, "I know some of that Texas-Oakland grease got into Nitro’s fingers and soul from that experience." That year, the band began to play live shows at the Saloon. The original bass player, who was drawn to slap-funk bass style, eventually quit the band. In 1987, Johnny Ace joined the band on bass. He explained, "My bass playing made Nitro’s band sound fatter and enabled Nitro to have the freedom and space musically to wail... I kept a very simple, pulsating groove going." During these years, Nitro penned many songs. One of his most famous was "Too Many Dirty Dishes." That year, the band recorded music at Bayview Studios in Richmond, California. However, according to Johnny Ace, nothing was done with the tapes.

Johnny Nitro developed a strong relationship with the North Beach community, both as a musician and mentor. As J.C. Smith, a Bay Area blues singer and guitarist, recalled: "One time I asked him why he didn't go on tour. He said, 'That way people have to come see me in North Beach.' He was the king of North Beach." Drinkin' Triples 'Till You're Seeing Double (Saloon Recordings, 1991), and Trouble (2003). His band included various members over the years, including Kathy Tejcka. As he grew older, blues music became less popular in the United States. However, the band continued to play shows regularly at the Saloon and other venues. They had one daughter, Kirsten Moore. The couple were friends with Arturo Islas, who became the godfather to Kirsten. After Moore, Nitro dated a woman named Tracy, who owned a bookstore on Polk Street. The poem was a tribute to Nitro and included backing vocals from musicians of the Saloon.

Discography Tom Castro, Johnny Nitro, Kevin Russell – S.F. Blues Guitar Summit Vol. III (1993) Car Fixin' Blues (Saloon Recordings, 1993) Drinkin' Triples 'Till You're Seeing Double (Saloon Recordings, 1991) Trouble (2003)